South Africa’s Bid for F1 Gains Momentum with Kyalami Circuit Upgrades

Efforts to bring Formula 1 back to South Africa are advancing as Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit takes steps toward achieving the standards required by the World Motorsport Federation (FIA). These upgrades would enable Kyalami to host an F1 race for the first time since 1993. If successful, this would be the only F1 race held on the African continent.

On October 31, Kyalami’s owners announced a partnership with Apex Circuit Design to “prepare a roadmap for FIA Grade 1 accreditation”—a critical step to becoming F1-ready.

Minister McKenzie’s Push to Bring F1 to South Africa

The drive to bring F1 back to South Africa has garnered significant government support, notably from Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie. McKenzie has voiced his ambition to secure an F1 event, stating in a July 2024 interview that hosting such a race would bring substantial economic benefits, create jobs, and provide global exposure for South Africa.

McKenzie has been actively engaging with F1 officials, including meetings with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. His campaign has focused on gathering support across both public and private sectors, as funding remains a primary challenge. According to Statista, hosting an F1 race could cost up to R1 billion, with comparable hosting fees for races like Azerbaijan's reaching $57 million (around R1 billion) in 2023.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has also shown support, appearing alongside McKenzie and Kyalami’s owner, Toby Venter, at the recent upgrade announcement.

Kyalami, Not Cape Town, Positioned to Host South Africa’s F1 Race

In the lead-up to securing FIA Grade 1 accreditation, Kyalami has partnered with Apex Circuit Design, a well-regarded motorsport engineering firm known for its work on world-class racetracks. Key safety improvements, particularly to the track’s run-off areas, are part of the plans needed to meet F1 standards.

While McKenzie initially explored the idea of building a new track near Cape Town, Kyalami in Gauteng has emerged as the favoured location, backed by provincial and national government support.

The Pathway to South Africa’s F1 Comeback

South Africa has successfully hosted major international events, including the FIFA World Cup and Cricket World Cup, and now hopes to add a Formula 1 race to that list. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have publicly supported a South African race, amplifying the enthusiasm around this bid. With a potential target of 2027, the return of F1 to South Africa is becoming an increasingly realistic prospect.